village life hitchin august 2012

A cheaper way to buy your van

PLuS

Jose saaveDra – WeDDinG DJ & MC

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ADVICE

• Codicote • Kimpton • Whitwell • Preston • Breachwood Green • Graveley • Little Wymondley • Great Wymondley • St. Ippolyts • Gosmore • Knebworth • Welwyn Village

ISSUE 37: AUGUST 2012

www.villagelifemag.com

Lifestyle | Business | Community

Lifewww.villagelifemag.com

Lifestyle | Business | Community

LLLVillageFREEHITCHIN

the Lytton armsthe Lytton armsthe Lytton armsFood review:

The Belmont Pub, Bar & Restaurant108 Burnham Green Road, Burnham Green AL6 0NQ

01438 798 800 www.belmontrestaurant.co.uk

The Belmont Pub, Bar & Restaurant

A typical English village pub on the outside set on a lovely village green, with a stylish

bar and restaurant on the inside. Nice garden & patio area for al fresco dining.

Fresh food with fresh ingredients from local suppliers

SUMMER SPECIAL MENU OFFER 2 MAIN COURSES FOR £15

Example dishes from offer menu Chicken Chasseur with Mash Potatoes & A Green Panache of Vegetables

Home made Fish Pie with a Light Cheese Topping & Selection of VegetablesMushroom Risotto with Rocket & Parmesan Shavings & Wild Rocket

Char Grilled Chicken Supreme with Avocado SaladChar Grilled Gammon Steak, Fried Egg & Shoestring Fries

Belmont Burger, with Cheddar or Blue Cheese, Shoestring Fries & Salad GarnishFresh Battered Fish with Shoestring Fries & Peas

Fillet of Salmon with New Potatoes & Salad GarnishHomemade Beef, Mushroom & Guinness Pie

served with Seasonal Vegetables & Mustard Mash

Opening HoursTuesday - Friday

12-3pm & 6pm - closeSaturday 12pm - evening close

Sunday 12-7pm

C O N T E N T S

WELCOME TO AUGUST

4: Local news

6: Wellbeing: Marilyn Tuck – Avoiding putting on weight

8: Community: The Lytton Arms Food Review

10: Business: UHY WKH – Summer impact on your business

14: Business: Stagg Property Services

16-17: Lifestyle: Jose Saavedra – Wedding DJ and MC

18: Lifestyle: Home Improvements Advice

20: Business: White Hot Vans

22: Business: Old Post Office Tea Rooms

28: What’s on in August/Take a Break

WEDDING DJ & MC: PAGE 16-17

FOOD REVIEW: PAGE 8

Where Can You Find Village Life?

Village Life Magazine has a readership of 15,000 people and is delivered

to homes and businesses across 12 villages. Find us in Codicote,

Kimpton, Whitwell, Preston, Breachwood Green, Graveley,

Little Wymondley, Great Wymondley, St. Ippolyts, Gosmore,

Knebworth and Welwyn Village.

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIESMelanie Saavedra 01438 216950 [email protected]

Village Life is published monthly by MJS Publishing.

01438 216950, www.villagelifemag.com

© 2012 Village Life (Hitchin). Village Life (Hitchin) is an independent magazine and does

not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in

the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of Village Life magazine.

caLL us: 01438 216950

eMaIL us:[email protected]

VIsIt us and read tHe MagaZIne onLIne:www.villagelifemag.com

Jose & Melanie

As we are writing this mid July, the sun has popped out and the rain seems to have gone – let’s hope August isn’t a washout so we can enjoy the summer!

By the time you read this, the Olympics will be in full swing and hopefully we will be on the way to winning some medals. If you are lucky enough to have a ticket for the Olympics, we would love to hear from you.

I would like to draw your attention to the food review at The Lytton Arms this month, we had a wonderful evening there and would highly recommend a visit.

Don’t forget you can fi nd the answers to the puzzles on our website – www.villagelifemag.com and we are also on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter – @villagelifemag!

Bye for now,

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950August 2012 3

Village Life | www.villagelifemag.com | tel: 01438 216950 August 20124

LOCAL NEWS

Have you ever said yes to someone, then wondered just what you’ve committed yourself to? Well that happened to Neil Kirby when I a friend said she’d like to climb Mont Blanc and living nearby could make the arrangements. As the saying goes, “it seemed like a good idea at the time”.

That was how, back in 2010, he and Barry Mackie

came to be 4385metres up Mont Blanc in a white-out. Nothing to see just cloud. They had no option but to turn round and head home. Just 450metres from the top, they couldn’t see 5 yards in front of them, let alone the summit itself!

Despite this disappointment they managed to raise £2,500 towards setting up a community farm in the Western Province in Kenya. The aim was to feed local orphan children and help show villagers and school children effective local farming techniques. Since then, the six acre plot has been turned into a productive farm, growing maize, mangos, avocados, bananas, kale and a range of other fruit and vegetables.

Neil has also raised more money to sink a borehole – meaning that during the annual drought the villagers have a supply of water near at hand. And the next step is to build a cowshed.

So two years on, this month Neil and three friends from Welwyn Garden City are going back to Mont Blanc. Unfortunately they can’t just do those final 450metres so we have to climb the whole thing. If you would like to find out more or donate to the project, contact [email protected]

Welwyn Garden City fund raisers to climb Mont Blanc

Quiltathon to raise Money for lister renal unit in stevenaGe

Last May Icknield Quilters held a quiltathon to make a quilt to raffle at their meeting in September in aid of the Lister Renal Unit in Stevenage. One of their members had a transplant last year and is much healthier now. In thanks, they made a Liberated Star double bed quilt (see picture) and tickets are now available from Michele Clarke. Please send an s.a.e. to her at Rosemary Cottage, Fore St, Weston, Hitchin SG4 7AS. Tickets are £1 each and cheques should be made out to Icknield Quilters. There is also an opportunity to win three more quilts (a single and two cot), and other prizes such as a voucher from John Lewis. Michele told us, ”We have received splendid support from Loose Threads, Threads and Patches, Studio 39, Chris Lunnon (printers in Baldock), Aurafil threads, and many others including everybody who sponsored us all for the actual quiltathon.”

the station KneBWorth May CoMpetition Winners

Congratulations to Ted and Connie Gammon who won our May competition to win a 3 course meal at The Station. Ted told us,”We had a great evening, and will be returning to the Station this month to celebrate our 34th Wedding

Anniversary.” Why not pop in to the station to enjoy a drink or bite to eat over the summer, or go along to one of their fantastic events, contact Peter or Kim on 01438 812 224.

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WELLbEiNG

How to avoid putting on weight while watching the telly...

www.marilyntuck.co.uk Knebworth

phone 07962 811907

Naturally at this wonderful time of royal, olympic, sporting and cultural events, we are spending some time in front of the box watching the

amazing TV coverage.Just be aware that while sitting in your comfy chair

there will be food and beverage thoughts on your radar. Remember as you eat and drink that you are not exercising to burn up those calories you are consuming. It is the people you are watching that are doing the exercise. While you are sitting there looking at their physiques, and innocently eating and drinking it is highly likely that what you are doing is changing the shape of your midriff, not inwards like theirs, but unpleasantly outwards!

So what can you do about it? Firstly, think about what you are eating.

Watch out for the food with the nasty fattening additives. Sugar in the form of high active corn syrup puts on the pounds faster than any other food and is in most processed foods, breads, sweets, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, and cereals.

Next, steer clear of artificial sweeteners found in diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, fizzy sweet drinks, desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, and breath-mints. Crisps, chips, snacks, takeaways and frozen dinners have MSG in, another no-no. And not to mention beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages which really pack on the weight around the midriff area.

After that you might be thinking, “Well, what can I eat?”

If you are in front of the telly you only need three light meals a day. If you feel a need to snack between times have water first, your stomach often mistakes thirst for food. After half an hour ask yourself if you are still hungry.

Think carefully about putting food into your mouth. Often people eat because they are bored, not hungry. Which are you?

Your body is like a car, it needs to be refuelled to get to your destination. If you are spending the day watching telly you probably don’t need any extra fuel.

However, a short brisk 20 minute walk is excellent. Just walk out for 10 minutes, turn around and walk back. It will re-freshen and tone you up, too.

These are just some of the helpful tips included in my hypnotic weight loss audio series which inspire people to get healthy using the right fuel and motivation; like Miranda who reported one stone gone after only 4 weeks. There is a lot of information on my website marilyntuck.co.uk, under weight loss recordings, or simply scan the QR code here. Personal consultations are very beneficial, too.

you only need three

snack between times

[email protected]

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fOOD REViEW

We returned to the Lytton Arms in Old Knebworth on a Tuesday evening to sample the food. When we arrived, there were

people sitting outside enjoying a drink and the amazing views of deer on the Knebworth estate. We went in and received a warm welcome from James and enjoyed a drink while we looked at the menus. There are lots of traditional dishes but also a great range of specials from all over the world.

There is a really friendly atmosphere in the pub with locals enjoying a drink at the bar and people sitting down enjoying a meal in the room next door.

I opted for the Steamed Mussels to start which were cooked with White Wine, Shallots, Garlic & Cream and served with freshly baked bread. The Mussels were cooked beautifully and the creamy sauce perfectly complimented the dish, the warm freshly cooked bread was a really nice touch and perfect for dipping.

My friend Jon went for the Pan Fried Fishcakes served with Homemade Tartare Sauce. The fishcakes had a crispy texture and were full of flavour, and he loved the taste of the tartar sauce.

For the main course I had the Surf & Turf, 8oz Rump, & Prawns served with Onion Rings, Roasted Tomato, Button Mushrooms and Triple Cooked Chips. I like my steak to be cooked blue and I was really pleased that it came out blue and not overcooked (something other places can’t seem to get right!) The meat was really tender, went well with the prawns and I have to mention the triple cooked chips which were delicious! All in all a really enjoyable dish.

Jon had the Chicken Risotto dish from the Specials menu which was served with a breaded poached egg, spinach and warm freshly cooked bread. The risotto was perfect, the sauce was divine, the chicken was tender and the mushrooms and spinach were really tasty. The breaded egg was unusual but really worked!

Both of the mains were very generous portions and we struggled to make room for dessert so Jon went for the mixed ice cream which was well presented. I on the other had couldn’t resist the sound of the Warm Chocolate Brownie served with Toffee Ice Cream & Chocolate Sauce, and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. It was a very rich dessert and the toffee ice cream was the icing on the cake, a wonderful desert for someone with a sweet tooth!

Sharon our waitress really looked after us and was good fun. The food was of a very high quality and reasonably priced. The Lytton Arms has a really warm, friendly atmosphere and is one of the those pubs where you can walk in and feel at home, with happy smiling regulars enjoying themselves and helpful friendly staff. I would highly recommend a visit!For further information or to book a table, call James on 01438 812312 or visit www.lyttonarms.co.uk

The Lytton Arms

THE LYTTON ARMS, PARK LANE, OLD KNEBWORTH SG3 6QB 01438 812312

COMPETITIONTo win a three course meal for two, simply tell

us – what could the people enjoying a drink outside see? Please email your answer with your name, phone number and address to

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buSiNESS

According to a new survey by Jabra one in five office workers have a ticket to this year’s Olympic events, with over one in ten having been selected

as a volunteer to the games this year. The survey also revealed that 60% of the UK’s office workers are planning to take the opportunity to watch this huge sporting event that has landed on their doorstep this year. 5% stated that they would call in sick to be able to watch their favourite event taking place, with 25% stating that they would miss work to watch Athletics, and a further 17% will be taking annual leave in order to attend this year’s games.

Are you one of the small percentage (8%) of employers that has introduced flexible working, or are you one of the 56% of employers who have not yet announced any plans on how to manage your employees’ interest in the event?

The disruption to your business could be highly damaging so acting now to introduce working from home so that employees do not miss key events, or flexible working so that they can combine watching the games with work could help reduce the impact of this summer’s events.

What about the sun and if the weather warms up for a period of time this summer?

Is it a coincidence that when the weather gets hotter, staff absences rise, especially on a Monday and Friday?

Not that employers can accuse their employees of pulling a ‘sickie’ without actual concrete proof, but holding the ‘return to work’ interviews with staff that have been absent due to sickness will re-enforce to them that you are aware of what is happening in your business.

Something else to consider is that, whilst you do not have any legal obligation to provide sun protection advice, it may be in your interests to do so especially on the dangers of not drinking enough water and sun exposure, should the summer that we would like to have arrive. If you have employees that work outside for the majority of the day consider providing them with sun cream, a cost yes, but a small one against losing employees to sickness during the sunny periods.

What impact will this summer have on your business?

adam Fernandes, Business Development Manager from

UHY WKH Partnership Chartered Accountants talks about...

If you would like any advice please feel free to contact me in the first instance on 01462 687333 or 07850 504044.

Come to the professionals with expert knowledge, experience & resources to make a difference.

www.uhy- wkh.comLetchwortht 01462 687333

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ViLLAGE LifE

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“ I would highly recommend a visit to Codicote Spice for a great curry

with wonderful friendly service in a nice environment.”

As Reviewed by Village Life in Dec 2011

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buSiNESS

Did you know at least 3 boilers

breakdown every minute? Your boiler should be serviced

annually – don’t leave it until it’s too late – make sure it’s working before you need it.

This is sound advice from Stagg Property Services based in Welwyn. Stagg Property Services are a local family run business and have been covering the whole of Hertfordshire and beyond for 11 years.

Apart from undertaking all household plumbing work, they offer boiler and central heating packages for which you can pay for monthly or as a one off yearly fee. Depending on the type of boiler you have and what package you’d like there are four packages to choose from:

Bronze – an annual boiler service – £72 one off fee or £7.00 a month.Silver – an annual boiler service plus an annual unvented pressurised hot water tank service – £116 one off fee or £10.50 a month.Gold – an annual boiler service and breakdown call out – £162 one off fee or £14.50 a month.Platinum – an annual boiler service plus an annual unvented pressurised hot water tank service and breakdown call out – £198 one off fee or £17.50 a month.All prices quoted include labour and vat but exclude parts. Monthly fees are payable by standing order over 12 months.Stagg Property Services are Gas Safe registered and also carry out landlord CP12 gas safety checks.Power flushing is also available.

So need a plumbing or heating job carried out? Call for a free no obligation quote:Stagg Property Services Ltd

01438 712712 [email protected]

Is your boILer coVered?

Specialists in

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For a free no obligation quote contact01438 712712

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For a free no obligation quote contact

Specialists in

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Hot & Cold Water Tanks

All Plumbing & Heating work undertaken

For a free no obligation quote contact: 01438 712712

www.staggproperty.co.uk [email protected]

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ViLLAGE LifE

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LifEStyLE

Jose Saavedra The Wedding DJ & Master of Ceremonies

Being a good Wedding DJ is about so much more than the music, it is about taking care of the little things and through meticulous preparation,

ensuring that the celebrations on your special day will run just as you planned, allowing you to relax and with your guests and enjoy to the full your very special day.

Jose provides a bespoke Wedding Disco service ensuring that your wedding celebrations run as smoothly and professionally as the formal part of your day. To do this, he will devote time to planning the event with you at a pre-wedding meeting which is offered as part of his unique

service. He will ensure that he understands exactly what you want for your special day so that he can provide you with a wedding disco package tailored exclusively to your requirements. In addition, he will make contact with the venue you have chosen to ensure that every detail is covered and all aspects of the planned programme are fully co-ordinated so that everything will come together perfectly on the day.

Jose will be personally committed to providing you with the highest level of professionalism and expertise developed over 20 years of experience as a DJ, and with hundreds of highly successful weddings to his credit. He will make your experience one to be cherished and remembered forever.

In addition to being a fantastic DJ who can keep the dance floor buzzing, Jose is a confident and highly experienced public speaker which differentiates him from other DJs. By combining the role of DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Jose will ensure that your wedding flows perfectly. He will work with the venue and your suppliers and will guide you through the etiquette of the day, so you can relax safe in the knowledge that everything will run smoothly.

As your guests arrive they will be greeted with background music of your choice played through a small and discrete PA system. There will be music throughout the day to add atmosphere to the drinks reception and Wedding Breakfast, as well as during the ceremony if required. Multiple PA systems can be set up where different rooms are used during the day.

As your MC, Jose will greet people when they arrive, guide your guests around the venue and announce you in


LifEStyLE

Jose is offering a free upgraded lighting package for all bookings made in August and September for 2012 and 2013 (Worth £100).

For further information, contact him on 01438 216 950 or 07734 387 478. Alternatively visit his website www.mjsevents.com

to the room as husband and wife, where you will enjoy a round of applause as your walk to your table hand in hand. He will make announcements throughout the day keeping your guests informed, co-ordinate the speeches (introducing each speaker then passing them a wireless microphone), introduce the cutting of the cake and the first dance, ask guests to sign the guestbook, and be there to assist with anything that you or your guests need on the day. Essentially Jose is offering the service of a Toastmaster, but rather than wearing a red jacket he will wear a suit or a tux!

With a state of the art sound and lighting rig which never fails to impress, Jose will create the perfect atmosphere for you and your guests to dance the night away. His music collection covers a wide range of music genres including Party, Cheese, Disco, Soul, Funk, R&B, Motown, Rock, Indie, Jazz, Rock & Roll, Dance, House, Punk and all popular music from the 1960’s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s right through to today’s top 40 chart music. His mixing skills and ability to read the crowd will keep the dance floor full and the evening will be one to remember.

As a professional Mobile Disco supplier, Jose holds £10m of Public Liability Insurance and all equipment is fully PAT tested to ensure electrical safety. This is underpinned by a service contract, which gives you the

peace of mind of knowing that he will arrive at the venue in good time, fully prepared and ready to deliver the service he has promised you.

Jose regularly plays at prestigious venues such as Tewinbury Farm, Fanhams Hall, Hanbury Manor and Priory Barn locally, and The Dorchester, Fulham Palace, Hotel Russell, Stationer’s Hall and many others in London. He is proud to be a member of the Wedding DJ Alliance and the Federation of Small Businesses.

“Jose provides a great service, works well with people, and provides superb entertainment. He was very easy to talk which made the whole process of organising our wedding day so much easier. When it came to any of our specifi c requests, Jose performed without a hitch. Throughout the evening, our guests just kept telling us how much fun they were having and that the music was forcing them to keep dancing!” Peter De Santis (Hotel Russell, Russell Square, London)

“Everyone had a fantastic time and there was a real buzz – it’s not often that the dance fl oor is fully occupied for the whole evening. It was all very professional from the booking process to the set up and the equipment – and then there is Jose’s obvious talent as a DJ!” Les Tinsley (Priory Barn, Little Wymondley)


LifEStyLE

When it comes to home improvements, the most common question we hear is “how do we go about starting the process of

improving our home and who do we ask for help? “The answer is not always a straight forward one,

depending upon the nature of the project you are undertaking, but obtaining the right advice from the outset is vital if your project is to go smoothly.

The most common cause of dissatisfaction we hear about is where a Client has employed specialist tradesmen who undertake the majority of the work, but the overall project remains incomplete once the tradesmen have finished their specific aspects. This is not usually the tradesmen’s fault! A great example of this is perhaps a kitchen re-fit where the kitchen is part of a kitchen/dining space and the Client wants the kitchen refitted with the dining room decorated and updated at the same time. The problem comes when the Kitchen Fitters finish their work and the Client is disappointed because they still need to employ a Decorator and possibly a Joiner to finish the rest of the project.

This scenario comes about because the Client has not been advised correctly or rather, has not sought out the correct advice from the correct source at the outset.

When contemplating carrying out any work or improvements to your home, it is worth remembering that your home is likely the largest single investment you own so it is imperative that you seek professional advice, to ensure you get a good return on any further investment as it is easy to get it wrong.

For extensions, refurbishments, conversions and any work that involves structural alterations, your first step should be to talk to a design professional such as an Architect, Architectural Designer or Structural Engineer, who will be able to advise you on whether you need Planning and/or Listed Building Consent in the first instance. They will also be able to advise you on whether you will need to comply with the Building Regulations and the Party Wall Act, or require a Build Over Agreement with the water authority. These may well still be required even if planning consent is not. If you fail to obtain the

appropriate statutory consents for work you carry out, you could face legal action from the Local Authority and be made to put your property back to the way it was before you started. You will also be required to provide these consents when selling your home and if you don’t have them, you may be forced to apply retrospectively to enable a sale to continue. This can be more costly than obtaining them at the start of the project.

If the project is an internal one, you may still want to start with an Architect, or it may be more appropriate to talk to an Interior Designer. An Interior Designer can be a great asset on an internal renovation or remodel and will recommend trusted trades and specialists to carry out the entire works. The designer will then act as a Project Manager to oversee the whole project and ensure every detail is taken care of. In addition to organising and overseeing the fitting out and remodeling, they can also advise and guide you on decor and furnishings, ensuring that your project adds both desirability and value to your home.

Many people may be concerned with the cost of appointing a Designer for their project, but rest assured, professional guidance and assistance with your project will pay dividends in the long run. The more time you spend in the design phase, contemplating the finer details, with your Designer using their expertise to guide you past the many pitfalls, the smoother your project will run and more likely it will be finished within budget.

Most Designers, whether Architectural or Interior, offer a free of charge initial consultation or in some cases there may be a small fee. Either way, good professional advice at the outset, even at a small cost, can save thousands of pounds in the long run.

Written by Mick Baird at The Sacred Space Company, for further information visit www.thesacredspacecompany.co.uk or contact Mick on 01707 391415.

Planning your home improvement project


ViLLAGE LifE

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buSiNESS

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Let me help you to get your business back on track

I help small business owners get on top of their finances through friendly, affordable services:

Preparing Accounts • Invoicing & PaymentsSystems setup & Software training

VAT returns • Payroll • Credit ControlCash Flow • Petty Cash

White Hot Vans specialise in supplying commercial vehicles to skilled tradesmen and small businesses. Due to the high volumes

of vans that they supply to their customer base, they have secured fleet procurement terms across a range of well- known manufacturers. This means that even if you are buying just one vehicle, you can enjoy the same levels of discount as a major corporate fleet buyer. With the buying power passed directly on to the consumer, you are able to get a much better deal that through a dealership, all backed up by a personal and friendly service.

Richard Bunn one of the owners told us, “We are a small dedicated team with a combined experience of almost 40 years working in the manufacturer and vehicle leasing industry. As with all lines of work, contacts, knowledge and experience make the difference and we have managed to negotiate fantastic deals directly with the manufacturers.

We have a number of commercial vehicles in stock at any given time plus a pipeline of new vans coming through regularly. If you need a van within seven days then we can do that. If you want to factory order something specific and enjoy the same discounts then we can do that as well. We can also provide finance options if required.

Our website is easy to use and allows you to browse for vans by manufacturer, monthly budget, finance type or vehicle type. We are at the end of the phone if you need to talk anything through or alternatively you can email, or pop in to our office for a coffee where we talk van ‘stuff’ on comfy leather armchairs. We are on the Luton Hoo Country Estate, just 20 minutes from Hitchin.

To find out more about the great deals available, contact Richard on 01582 484 885, [email protected] or visit www.whitehotvans.com

WouLd you LIKe a great deaL on a neW Van?

need a neW Van?We offer significant discounts on all makes and models with special rates for skilled tradesmen and small business owners.call us now to see how much you could save.

01582 484 885www.whitehotvans.com


ViLLAGE LifE

BEAUTY WITHINHealth, Body & Wellness Specialist

Tel: 01438 747432www.beautywithinstevenage.co.uk

( )

BEAUTY WITHINHealth, Body & Wellness Specialist

Tel: 01438 747432www.beautywithinstevenage.co.uk

( )

Since launching in 1998 Beauty Within has gone from strength to strength. Visit our salon at 47/49 High Street, Old Town, Stevenage.

l Jessica Manicures/Pedicures l Gel Nails/Shellac/Bio Sculptures/Geleration Waxing/Lycon/Brazilian/Hollywood l Threading l HD Brows l LVL Lashes

Lash Perfect Eyelash Extensions l Dermalogica Facials/Products l CACI Ultimate Microdermabrasion l Priori Chemical Peels l Fake Bake Spray Tanning

Make-up l Electrolysis/Advanced l Aesthetics l Pamper Parties

Gift Vouchers & Alcoholic refreshments available.

Unit 136, Stevenage Indoor Market, St Georges Way, Stevenage SG1 1EPWe are opposite the rear entrance to Wilkinsons

Tel/Fax: 01438 314263 Mobile: 07970 034579email: [email protected] Hours: Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat, 9am - 5pm

WHERE QUALITY MATTERS

why not visit our website: www.oaklandblinds.co.uk

HALF PRICE SALECOME IN TO SEE THE SAVINGS YOU CAN MAKE

SELECTED ITEMS ONLY

Guess what we’re having?


ViLLAGE LifE

Looking for something a little different?newleaf marketing communications may just be what you are looking for

newleaf marketing communications is a full service marketing consultancy. We specialise in the design and print of promotional literature, branding and contract publishing. We also have a wealth of experience in managing media relations, online promotions, direct mail and photography.

At newleaf marketing communications we provide more than just creative skills but also the ability to listen, understand and solve complex issues quickly and efficiently.

For more information on how we can help your company call us today 01438 871968

W www.newleafmarcom.com E [email protected] T 01438 871968

More than just great ideas...Design Print Media Planning Contract Publishing Branding

1/2 A5 advert_Layout 1 12/05/2011 16:14 Page 1

Please mention The Hitchin Village Directory when responding to adverts 28


ViLLAGE LifE

Deep Cleaning plus Fast Drying for Upholstery, Carpets, Leather Cleaning

Amtico & Karndean Floors Cleaned, Carpets & Fabric Protector Leather Renovation, Burn Retufting, Oriental Rugs & Curtains Specialist

Recommended By Leading Retailers, Insurance Companies & Other Cleaners!

Professional, Reliable & Good Value for Money 25 years experience

Courteous & Uniformed Operatives - not a Franchise

74 High Street, Codicote, SG4 8XD www.cleaningneeds.co.uk

We operate in Stevenage, Hitchin and the surrounding areas

B E S T P R I C E G U A R A N T E E

Put Your Loved Ones First Have an up to date Will that ensures your loved ones get everything and the state gets nothing.

Protect Your Home 100% Why risk your home being one of over 40,000 sold each year to meet care costs?

Protect Your AssetsWhy incur 40% Inheritance Tax unnecessarily?

Protect Your Family & BusinessWhy risk the impact of an accident, illness or death?

Protect Yourself from the CourtsA Will & Powers of Attorney record who you want to act for you. Without them a Court decides!

Best Value Estate Planning, using solicitors and professional will writers

£1000’sSave your family

01462 820 017 07954 162 522

Call STEVEN WHITE on: (Affiliate of The Society of Will Writers)

YoU WoRkEd HARd foR IT. doN’T lET THE STATE TAkE IT!

HOME VISIT

DAYTIME or EvEnIng

Wills from £80 • Probate from 1%


ViLLAGE LifE

Airport Direct Cars provides a quality private hire car service at affordable costs, using a modern fl eet of Saloons & MPVs (up to 8 seats) for business or private travel.

Get your holiday off to a stress-free start and avoid paying for ever increasing car park charges. We offer competitive rates without compromising on quality of service.

All drivers are fully licensed and we are very experienced in organising transport solutions for meetings & conferences. Single or multi person travel can be arranged giving you the total visibility on all transfers and costs.

Contact us for competitive prices on all your travel requirements or to open a business account. Telephone: 01438 812615

Airport Transfer Departures & Arrivals

Corporate & Business Journeys

Frequent Flyer & Regular Run Service

Sea Port Departures & Arrivals

Wedding Parties & Social Events

Sporting Events & London Theatre Trips

Discreet, Friendly Service

01438 812615www.airportdirectcars.co.uk

All major credit and debit cards accepted

Hertfordshire’s Premier Travel Service

Airport Transfer

Hertfordshire’s Premier Travel Service

Airport Cars Direct HP 0111 2.indd 1 20/01/2011 10:09


ViLLAGE LifE

your Local 24 Hour Emergency Locksmith

Call Out Service• Lock opening & Lock Fitting• all types of Locks• repairs, servicing

& replacement Locks• Vehicle opening• domestic & commercial services• Fully accredited & approved

emergency Locksmith

Fast, competitive & reliable service

call Mark on 01462 759557or visit www.anylock-security.co.uk

• all Personal care, eg washing, dressing, Incontinence care • companionship • Meal preparation

• accompanying to medical appointments • general housekeeping duties • Mental stimulation using memory boxes, photographs, memoirs etc • Help keeping up to

date with correspondence, documents, bills etc

All our staff CRB checked & trained to our high standards

Flexible service with competitive ratescall us now to arrange for our care Manager

to visit you to discuss your requirements

www.omercare.co.uk01438 820 999 / 07557 889 037

a family run business providing home care services for adults and children

Divine cream teas and assorted cakes always available, plus a small delicatessen selling local produce.

3 Datchworth Green,Datchworth SG3 6TL01438 816 034

www.oldpostofficetearooms.co.uk

Traditional tea rooms serving quality food and beverages

Mimram Veterinary Centre, 31 Church Street, Welwyn, AL6 9LW

01438 712300 www.mimramvets.co.uk

A friendly surgery with

caring, helpful staff where your pets

really matter

traditional, privately owned veterinary practiceexperienced vets and dedicated qualifi ed nursesX-ray, ultrasound, laboratory and surgical facilitiesout of hours emergency service


ViLLAGE LifE

HOME APPLIANCE

REPAIRSRepairs of Washing Machines, Tumble

Dryers, Electric Cookers & Ovens and all

domestic appliances.

Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda

and Whirlpool.

SHIRONDOMESTIC APPLIANCESTel: 01438 720304Mobile: 07739 922493

Shiron Domestic QP 0310.indd 1 25/02/2010 12:34Andrew SinclairELECTRICIAN

All domestic electrical work undertaken from a

socket to a rewire 20 years experience

City & Guilds qualifi ed

Kitchens l BathroomsFusebox changes

Call for a free quotationTel: 01438 832 673

Mob: 07796 648 930

127 High Street, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8QN

Need help with your PC? All your computer problems solved Friendly, affordable, jargon free service Training and advice provided Website design and hosting Home and small business specialists Local company, fast response time We guarantee NO FIX NO FEE

[email protected]

Solving your IT problemsspectrum IT support

Call now on:01438 833 671

01438 821470 / 07990 958294www.verypersonaltraining.co.uk

[email protected]

5 TRAINING SESSIONSl Private Studio

l Comprehensive consultation:l

Body composition analysis l Blood pressure reading

l Use of exclusive facilitiesRefreshments, Towel, Sky TV, Parking

All for £99* Sessions based upon 30-minute consultations with a professional trainer

PEA CERT ED

Julian Ivory

Very Personal TrainingTry my 2012 Starter Pack

Call me now


ViLLAGE LifE

Call Simon on07971 860 135 / 01707 326 366

All Your Fencing NeedsSupplied & Fitted

Free EstimatesCouncil Approved

Hedge CuttingGarden Maintenance

Friendly & Reliable Service

FENCINGSN MAINTENANCE

SN Fencing 0311.indd 1 16/02/2011 09:18FRINGELINE UNISEX HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

Celebrating 20 Years in Business

New TreatmentsNeck, Back & Hot Stone MassagesBotox, Fillers & Medical Skin Peels

OffersWednesday after 6pm

20% off Fringeline Beauty10% off Tints

Fish Pedicures – 15 mins for £6.00 (throughout June)

46a High Street, Kimpton, Herts SG4 8RN

01438 833 468 www.fringeline.co.uk

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory please call Melanie on 01438 216 950 23

Village Tree Services

Tel: 01462 435 873 Mob: 07717 744 274

Professional Tree Care Services All Aspects of Tree Work Undertaken

Fully Qualified and Insured Logs Available

VillageTree Services

Tel: 01462 435 873Mobile: 07717 744274

Village Tree Services 0310 QP.indd 1 22/02/2010 13:46


What’s on in august... Take a break…

SUDOKU

CROSSWORDSaturday 11 Aug 2012, 10pm - 4pm ‘All things Healthy’ at Hitchin Marketplace, HitchinNumber of Companies in the natural health business creating awareness and providing practical solutions to health conditions from Acne to Weight Control and everything in-between.

Saturday 11th Aug - Sunday 12th Aug, 10am - 5pm The Knebworth Country Show, Knebworth House, Knebworth, SG1 2AX All day entertainment - birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Thursday 16 Aug 2012, 1pm & 3.30pm Fairy Tales of the Unexpected, Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, W.G.C, AL8 6BX A magical adventure into Fairytale-land for all the family. Fully interactive, lively and very funny with a modern twist on classic fairy tales. Lots of singing, live action, and maybe even a few custard pies too! Suitable for ages 3 to 10. Tickets £10 / £8 concessions www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Friday 17th Aug - Sunday 19th AugHatfi eld Country Show, Hatfi eld House, Hatfi eld, AL9 5NQA wonderful family day out with main arena attractions, livestock, judging, horticultural marquee and children’s activities – and much more. Contact 07974 778806, www.hatfi eld-house.co.uk

Sat 25 August - Sunday 26th August, 11am - 4pm Peartree Fun Day, Woodhall Community Centre, Mill Green Road, W.G.C AL7 3XDStalls, BBQ, Fun Fair, Candy Floss, Soak the Plod, Sports Activities and a Bring & Buy Sale. For more information call 01707 638012. Organised by the Peartree Safer Neighbourhood Team in aid of Isabel Hospice. Free entry, all welcome.

Sat 25 August - Sunday 26th August, 3pm - 11.55pm on both days Goatfest Music Festival raising funds for Isabel Hospice, the Goat Inn in Codicote 2 day Bank Holiday fundraiser showcasing loads of bands and has a friendly fun atmosphere. To support them in the sunshine (fi ngers crossed) or maybe help on the day by volunteering to steward. Call Cheryl Cusack on 01707 382500.

Monday 27th August, 2pm - 5.30pmNGS Open Garden at Rustling End Cottage, Rustling End, Nr CodicoteA cottage garden with box parterre, topiary, refl ecting pool, late fl owering borders and wildfl ower meadow open in aid of the NGS, raising money for nursing and caring charities. Adult £4, Children free, www.ngs.org.uk

Thursday 30th August from 4pm Hitchin & District RNLI Meeting of Vintage & Classic Cars @ Hitchin F.C. Fishponds Road, SG5 1NUBar & Refreshments available, entry £2 with all proceeds to the RNLI. Enquiries: Mike Frisby 01462 433716, [email protected]

GEt yOuR EVENt LiStED fOR fREE HERE, EMAiL: [email protected] or call us on 01438 216 950

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

ACROSS1. faceplate (6)5. singer (6)8. a hundred square yards (4)9. explosive (8)10. spider web (8)11. coarse (4)12. plant reproductive organ (6)14. make up your mind! (6)16. a good long way away (4)18. fun event for children (8)20. brassica (8)21. wood eaten with fi sh (4)22. lovely (6)23. relative (6)

DOWN2. fl ight terminal (7)3. group with common characteristic (5)4. internal examination (13)5. opposing argument (13)6. to do with numbers (7)7. considered (5)13. supernatural act (7)15. lead astray (7)17. refrain from (5)19. review (colloquial) (5)

WHAt’S ON


ViLLAGE LifE

25

To advertise in The Hitchin Village Directory place call Melanie on 01438 216 950

JCS SOLICITORS

Divorce & Separation

Children

We are a niche firm who provide a supportive and personal service during the stressful

experience of divorce and family separation. We cover Herts & Beds.

Hill House, 1 St Albans Rd, Codicote, Herts, SG4

For Specialist Matrimonial Advice

Cohabitation

www.jcssolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01438 820 946

All Aspects of Tree and Hedge Work UndertakenGarden MaintenanceFully Qualifi ed and InsuredCall Duncan Evans on 07759 804 035 for quotes or advice

Rabley Tree CareRabley Tree CareRableyRabley Tree CareRabley Tree CareRableyRabley Tree Care Tree CareRabley Tree CareRabley

Rabley Tree CareRabley Tree CareRableyRabley Tree CareRabley Tree CareRableyRabley Tree Care Tree CareRabley Tree CareRabley

Rabley QP 0711.indd 1 17/06/2011 11:11

Need a new car?Let us fi nd your dream car,

we can also sell your car and arrange fi nance if required.A new way to buy a car that

WILL save you time and money!

CALL NOW!

01462 888 30407989 867 949

www.ifi ndanycar.com

Village Life is looking for a reliable Dog Groomer to advertise in the magazine.

Contact Melanie on

01483 216 950

If you would like to come on board and advertise your company to

15,000 readers each month, we will offer low advertising rates.


SHOWCASE

Michael shelleyelectricalQualifi ed electrician

“no job too small”tel: 01438 820 820Mobile: 07930 243651Email: [email protected] member of ElecSa

COMPUTERPROBLEMS

Want to kick your computer?

CALL Mike for a FREE consultation

Telephone: 07889 [email protected]

Codicote Online 0610.indd 1 10/05/2010 18:41

CODICOTE PHARMACY123 HIGH ST, CODICOTE, SG4 8UB

01438 821418

• FREE prescription collection from any surgery

• FREE home delivery of medication & shopping

• Passport photos & digital processing

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACY

FREE home delivery of medication & shopping

To The RoofTV Aerials and Satellite dishes

installed by fully insured TV Engineer.

TV / DAB Aerial installations,

Sky Setup / upgrades / multiroom / remote extenders, Freesat

systems, Foreign channels etc...

01462 811 150 07595 985 025

www.totherooftvaerials.co.uk

ADVERTISE HERE

TO 15000 LOCAL CUSTOMERS

FROM JUST £20pm!CALL 01438 216950

Terms and conditions apply.

BRIDGE COTTAGE PHARMACY

41 High Street, Welwyn, AL6 9EF

Open Mon to Sat 7am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 8pm

10% discount when you purchase non-prescription items

Ask about our free medicine delivery service

01438 840240

Specialising in wedding �lowers, beautiful, stylish �lowers tailored

to suit the bride, her dress and the wedding venue. For a free

consultation call Lotty.

Telephone: 01438 821 888121 high Street, Codicotewww.peony�lorist.co.uk

Specialising in wedding �lowers,

Peony Floral Boutique

Work your hours in your home

Part time – Full time – YOUR TIME Build your own Internet

business from the comfort of your own home.

If you are interested in making a substantial income through your own

efforts please contact me. 07792 723971

[email protected] www.talkmighty.co.uk

Call Sandra on 01707 229872 www.click4bookkeeping.com

A friendly, all-round service to maintain and enhance your business

processes, taking away stress and hassle, freeing up time to focus

on your business.

Martyn Hitch

Professional Chimney Sweep

Clean & Tidy, Reasonable Rates Reg No: 10/700

01462 618322

Friendly pre book car and parcel service

ACORN HERTS CARS

Reliable, effi cient and competitively priced service. For travel to Airports,

Hospitals, Stations, Theatres etc.

01438 833 86907539 007 364

www.acornherts.co.uk

JORDAN OIL BURNER SERVICES

ESTABLISHED 1968An Independent Oil Boiler

Maintenance Company Offering: - REGULAR ANNUAL SERVICING

COMMISSIONING • BREAKDOWN SERVICE

OFTEC Registered & Certifi cated by

Major Manufacturers.

01438 355583 / 07831 364607www.jordanoil.co.uk

9 Weston Barns, Hitchin Road, Weston SG4 7AX 01438 729610OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BY APPOINTMENT

Quality Bespoke Kitchensmanufactured in any size, shape, style & colour

www.justfi ttedkitchens.com

JFK Option 3 FP Ad 0412.indd 1 21/03/2012 16:41

9 Weston Barns, Hitchin Road, Weston SG4 7AX 01438 729610OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BY APPOINTMENT

Quality Bespoke Kitchensmanufactured in any size, shape, style & colour

www.justfi ttedkitchens.com

JFK Option 3 FP Ad 0412.indd 1 21/03/2012 16:41

village life hitchin august 2012

Documents

village life magazine

village life hitchin

lovely village green

independent magazine

business community lifewww

belmont pub

burnham green al6 0nq01438

fresh food